Federalist Paper #29

Group project by Carter, Jones, O’Brien and Westbrooke

Hamilton on the 2nd Amendment

Alexander Hamilton believed that for a militia to be well regulated, it should be organized and commanded
by the government. He believed that a militia would not be needed, because the government would already
have an army to protect itself and its citizens, but it it were needed, it’s soldiers should be trained like in any
other military. He also addresses the concerns that if the militia was commanded by the government, it
would mean that the government could make it’s citizens fight for it, he refutes this by saying the USA at the
time did not have the law to allow it, but such could be made. He continues by saying that the naive and
enthusiastic people that join could be misled by people who just want power, with no oversight from the
gov. He later goes on to say that the militia could be used on the people as well.
Problem Analysis

● Hamilton addresses his issue with the militia. He says that federal control over the militia would
result in the national government deploying the state militia in times of war. Hamilton is angered by
the fact that some fear a federally controlled government. This is because the militia would be made
up of citizens and those who want to join. Hamilton also adds to this by saying that even though the
militia would be controlled by the federal government, doesn’t mean that the soldiers would lose
interest in the militia. Hamilton also touches on that serving is one of the highest civic duties that one
can do. He overall addresses that despite the militia being federally controlled, it will be effective. It
will also be comprised of those who want to join
Current Event #2

● A federal appeals court has ruled the 2nd amendment provides the right to openly carry a gun in
public for self defense
● The 9TH U.S Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that Hawaii had violated George young’s rights when he
was denied a permit to openly carry a loaded gun in public to protect himself
● States like Hawaii and California will have to allow far more guns on the streets than they do today,"
said Adam Winkler "States would be able to ban concealed carry but only if they allow people to
carry their guns openly displayed
● Gun rights is one of the most hotly debated issues in U.S. political and legal circles with any loosening
or restriction of access to guns often leading to a court battle. The U.S. Supreme Court has shied
away from firearms fights in recent years, turning away challenges to restrictions after striking down
gun ownership bans in the District of Columbia and Chicago in 2008 and 2010.